Access Foundation GCSE Programme

The access foundation is a course for adults looking to change career. You may not have the right qualifications to start this, so this course will provide you with the qualifications on your journey to a new career.

You will work towards gaining good passes in five GCSE qualifications, enabling your progression in employment or on to higher levels of study.

The course aims to help students who are returning to education to gain useful qualifications. You will cover some of the skills necessary to becoming a more efficient and effective student, including time planning, note taking, essay writing, reading and research skills.

The course is offered full time only (3 full days, with different combinations available).

Benefits / Skills you will develop

You will develop the academic skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to progress to Level 3 study and pursue a university place leading to a professional career of your choice.

How you will be assessed

The majority of assessment is by formal examination, but some subjects will also have internally assessed components.

Where is the course delivered (facilities / classrooms)

The course runs at our Park Lane Campus. The programme runs 3 days per week.

Entry requirements

You must be 19 years of age or above at the course start date in early September.

You will be returning to education after a period of time spent at work, childcare or other activities. You may have acquired valuable skills and experience during this time. You do not need formal qualifications, but you must be able to show by your application and interview that you are able to benefit from studying at Level 2 (GCSE).

What's next

GCSE qualifications are useful for entry to more advanced courses, both academic and vocational, and for going directly to employment. A significant number of students progress to the Access to Higher Education courses.

Case study:

"I failed everything at school, found it difficult returning to study. I was supported by the staff; persevered and successfully passed my level 2 and level 3 courses. I am now studying a degree in Politics and Economics at Royal Holloway University in London, I am aiming for a career in political journalism."